Retro Corner: Uni-Vibe

The Uni-Vibe was introduced in the 1960s by Shin-ei, and was intended to emulate the “Doppler sound” of a Leslie speaker. It is a footpedal-operated phaser or phase shifter for creating chorus and vibrato simulations for electric organ or guitar. Despite not being used to recreate the Leslie, it has still found its way into the rigs of Hendrix and Floyd. The chorus-like effect is in fact created through a staggered series of phasing filters. Unlike most other phaser pedals, this is achieved without the use of op-amps.

I find this effect to be great for use in Pyschedelic guitar styles. It has goey modulation that is extremely dynamic when paired with the Wah-like foot controller. I definitely don’t see this one on enough pedal boards.-Gus Green